Sunday, April 15, 2012

Both parties in Congress are forcing symbolic votes in the coming week on dueling tax plans that affect millionaires and smaller businesses. That'll set the stage for long fights about taxes during the presidential campaign and on Capitol Hill.

Leaders have timed votes with an eye to Tuesday, the federal income tax deadline.

The Senate plans to vote Monday on a Democratic bill inspired by President Barack Obama's "Buffett rule," which would impose a minimum 30 percent tax on the wealthiest in the country. Republicans are sure to kill the measure.

Later in the week, the GOP-run House intends to votes on a Republican measure providing a 20 percent tax deduction for businesses that employ fewer than 500 workers. It's expected to pass, but die in the Democratic-led Senate.